Story updated at 3:11 p.m. Friday:
Students set off firecrackers Friday morning in a restroom at Central East High School, sparking fears that were heightened because of the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 students and two teachers.
On Friday afternoon, a parent posted on Facebook the measures that Central East teachers took to protect students from possible harm. The post makes it clear the panic that the incident created:
“This morning Central East High School experienced an event that scared us to our core. Students, teachers, and parents felt panic and fear that we’ve been praying we wouldn’t have to experience. And for a period of time, we all assumed the worst. I want to say a huge thank you to the teachers and staff who acted quickly to barricade our babies in classrooms. Hearing from our children of the acts their teachers made to protect the ones we love the most, brings me to my knees. The teachers who stood in front of locked doors with bats and such love for their students… I can’t thank you enough. You may not know each of the parents of those kids you shielded today but I promise, we know you and we thank God for you today.”
Central Unified School District, which sent out a news release on Friday’s incident, said no one was physically harmed.
“Please know that all students and staff are safe and normal school activities have resumed,” the district said.
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Counselors and mental health staff are on the campus on North Cornelia Avenue west of Highway 99 to help any students in need of services.
The district provided a link to the National Association of School Psychologists website to assist parents in conversations with students.
Administrators are investigating the incident, the district said.
